Not-so-trivial Pursuit

Wednesday

Dec 17, 2008 at 12:01 AMAug 28, 2009 at 5:03 PM

Like a kid called to the front of the classroom to solve a math problem, the packed tables inside East Village Food Bar all shared a quiet desperation for answers. Answers to odd question like, Where is the world's oldest zoo, or What was last week's most-watched TV show?

Like a kid called to the front of the classroom to solve a math problem, the packed tables inside East Village Food Bar all shared a quiet desperation for answers. Answers to odd question like, Where is the world's oldest zoo, or What was last week's most-watched TV show?

Groups participating in the bar's Tuesday night Team Trivia sought rewards for having the most obscure knowledge and, perhaps more entertainingly, the best dumb answer - all in good fun, of course.

"When we first started [trivia] in April, it was just us and a few friends, but you see how it's grown," said co-organizer Dannon Unsdorfer.

There's always something going on at East Village, and the varied daily events at the gay- and lesbian-friendly bar draw an eclectic crowd. Just to name a few, the pub features drag shows on Wednesdays, karaoke on Thursdays, live bands on Saturdays and burlesque shows on third Fridays.

During after-work hours, music videos grace East Village's many flat-screen TVs while diners enjoy cocktails and quiet conversation. The bar shares the laid-back vibe of former tenant Union Station, as well as the same owner.

"We're really more of a neighborhood corner bar," said general manager Nicole Simmons.

The bar features a small but decent wine selection and a short list of standard-issue martinis (from $7.25). Some draft options include PBR, Mich Ultra ($3) and Stella ($3.75), while bottled beer highlights consist of Bell's Two Hearted Ale ($4) and Unibroue's La Fin Du Monde ($5).

East Village's pizzas draw most diners' attention. Jalapeo peppers, ground beef and an enchilada sauce make the Mariachi Pizza ($12.50) enticing, while vegetarians will be pleased with options like the Apple + Brie Walnut Pizza or Margarita Pizza ($12).

Other than the Black Bean Burger ($9.50), Turkey Burger and the Barbeque Chicken Wrap ($9), the menu is mostly basic pub grub with a little extra TLC.